Rosslyn Park prepare for Coventry, and hope Knights slip up

Rosslyn Park’s 21-18 win over Doncaster Knights takes them within four points of the National League One leaders – and it would have been within three but for a late Doncaster try.

With Park – on paper at least – having the easier run in there is still all to play for.

However, after the supreme effort of overcoming the league’s top club and only full-time professionals, it does not get a lot easier this coming weekend as third placed Coventry are the visitors to Priory Lane (kick-off at 3pm).

Park won a tight match at Butts Park Arena by 19-18 earlier in the season, but the Midlanders’ confidence will have been boosted by a 43-0 win over Esher last Saturday.

Park head coach Alex Codling has almost his full squad to choose from. The key worry will be any lasting effects on his players of last Saturday’s strength-sapping effort on Park’s part-timers.

He said, “I was extremely proud of the effort in our deserved victory against the league leaders.

“The only frustration was to turn the ball over at the end which led to the try for Doncaster.

“It was a great day for the club and the support was much appreciated by the boys. We have another huge test at home this Saturday against Coventry and will be another massive test for the boys.

“It would be great to see another great crowd at 'The Rock' to support the boys as they certainly deserve it.”

Codling will delay his final selection until he has assessed players after Thursday evening’s training session.

Doncaster need 13 points from their three remaining matches to be certain of the title: they are home to Wharfedale, away to third-placed Coventry and their final match is at Blackheath.

Park effectively need to win their last three matches with maximum points and hope that Doncaster drop three points somewhere along the line.

After this weekend, Park visit basement club Hull Ionians and their final match is at home to relegation-threatened Cinderford.

Ipsoregulated

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